Date Yourself

In the shop, we hear a lot of "but I have no one to wear it for." Yes, sometimes it is sweet to surprise your suitor with a lovely lacy set, but the best use of lingerie is buying yourself presents. You know what feels even better than that? Dating yourself. Married, partnered or single, I challenge you to plan a date with yourself. It sounds cheesy, but I promise it will be worth it.

I started this for myself when I went through a divorce but have carried it on into remarriage (Yes, I've married the same man twice). Just one night a month. No meeting up with friends, no boyfriend or husband, just you.

Here's how:

1.Buy yourself something to begin the date. There is some truth to retail therapy. Only caveat is has to be something you would not ordinary buy for yourself. No eggs and cheese from Wal-Mart, though a fancy cheese and wine could work. I pick up a bouquet for my nightstand, chocolate truffles and some super cute pajamas. It doesn't even have to be expensive, a lucky rabbit's foot or mood ring will do. It just has to be out of the ordinary and make you feel special.


2. What's do you enjoy or get excited about doing? When I say enjoy, I mean really enjoy, as in get bonafide glee from. For example, sure, I like cake, but I enjoy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

Some ideas to get you started:
Long bath.            Chocolate truffles.        A good massage.
Yoga.                      Reading.                         Taking a walk in the park.
Cooking.                Riding a motorcycle.    Sorting change (I really do.)
Puzzles.                 Rock climbing.                Hiking.
Gun range.            Driving range.                Local concert.
Ballet.                     A play.                             Museum.
Orchestra.              An aquarium.                Trying a new restaurant.
Watching True Romance with gelato and macaroons or whatever you think of. 

Pick a date. Write it on your calendar. Then pick two to do one evening or afternoon.

3. Take a bath. Use those over-priced bath salts you save for a special occasion and light the fancy-shmancy organic soy candle. If it helps, put on some Enya or rain sounds. Enjoy. No hair-washing or shaving. Just enjoying. 

4. The rest is up to you. Comfy pajamas and good rest, or if you are feeling frisky, a little self-service.

And I'm always looking for new ideas, so let me know what you do for your date night!

XOXO,
Merry McGinnis Ireland
Owner of The Ruff Life